“Just now, we held a video conference summit meeting of ASEAN countries and Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea.

In Japan, we have issued the declaration of a state of emergency and are acting to prevent the spread of infections. In working to bring this situation to an end, we will not be able to do so through the efforts of Japan alone. As the novel coronavirus disease is raging in the countries of ASEAN and Asia around Japan, it is extremely essential to expand cooperation in the region. Based on this premise, I stated that, as a precondition to doing so, we must share the information and knowledge each country has in a way that is free, transparent, and swift.

I also said we should battle the virus, which is spreading without regard for national boundaries, on the basis of firm cooperation, including the establishment of an ASEAN center for the control of infectious diseases. The other leaders supported this idea.

In addition, people providing medical care are at this very moment giving their all to protect lives in very severe working conditions. We rely on imports from the ASEAN region for supplies, such as protective clothing used to safeguard them and places from infections. I emphasized that we must act in solidarity to maintain the distribution of supplies, especially now, in the midst of crisis. I also received the support of each country in saying that all measures we take must be consistent with the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Furthermore, several leaders commented on the drug Avigan. I explained that we will be expanding clinical research on Avigan. The leaders agreed on the importance of the early development of pharmaceutical treatments as a trump card in battling the virus.

In preventing the spread of this infectious disease and bringing the situation to an end, cooperation with ASEAN and with East Asia region will continue to be vital. Gonging forward, Japan will demonstrate leadership in regional cooperation and collaboration.”